The peer claims the decision to suspend him from the party was a breach of its own rules

The Lib Dem peer at the centre of a sexual harassment row yesterday warned Nick Clegg to let him back into the party - or he will sue.

Lord Rennard, who was suspended by the Lib Dems after he refused to apologise to woman activists who claim he "violated" their personal space, is preparing to go to court to force his way back into the party.

He claims the decision to suspend him was a breach of the party's own rules.

A source close to the peer said the party leadership had driven a "coach and horses" through its own rules.

Allies of the peer have previously warned that the party will face a court "bloodbath" that will "rip the Liberal Democrats apart".

It came after it emerged House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has been called as a witness in the sex trial of Tory MP Nigel Evans.

Mr Bercow is the most high profile figure on a list of at least ten MPs who will be called to give evidence when Evans stands trial next month.

The 56-year-old MP has been accused of nine sex attacks on seven men.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin – a former Government Chief Whip - and outspoken Tory backbench MP Sarah Wollaston have also been called to give evidence.

Evans denies two counts of indecent assault, six of sexual assault and one of rape.